Former Suntory CEO Nobutada Saji Unknowingly Caught in Illegal Supplement Scandal

In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through Japan's business elite, Nobutada Saji, the highly respected former CEO of Suntory Holdings, has found himself at the center of an unexpected health controversy. Saji, a prominent figure also serving as chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, revealed he had unknowingly purchased and consumed illegal dietary supplements.

The supplements in question, marketed as 'Prosta-Protect' by a US-based company named 'Healthy-Life-Inc.', were ostensibly intended to address prostate issues. Saji discovered the product through an online advertisement and, believing it to be a legitimate health aid, directly ordered it from the manufacturer. He consumed the supplements for approximately one year, completely unaware of the perilous secret they harbored.

The shocking truth emerged when Japan’s Health Ministry issued a stern warning about 'Prosta-Protect'. Investigations revealed that these seemingly innocuous capsules contained undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients: sildenafil and tadalafil. These powerful compounds are the active ingredients found in prescription erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Cialis, respectively. When consumed unknowingly and without medical supervision, especially by individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications, they pose significant health risks, including severe drops in blood pressure and dangerous drug interactions.

Upon learning of the discovery, Saji expressed his profound regret and shock. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Suntory Holdings promptly issued a public apology, emphasizing that Saji had no prior knowledge of the illicit ingredients and deeply regretted any concern or trouble caused to consumers and society. This incident underscores a critical issue in the global market for health products: the prevalence of online vendors selling unapproved or adulterated supplements, often with misleading labels.

Saji's unwitting entanglement serves as a powerful cautionary tale, even for the most discerning consumers. It highlights the immense challenges regulatory bodies face in monitoring the vast and often opaque online marketplace. Consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing health products, particularly from foreign or unverified online sources, and to consult with healthcare professionals before introducing any new supplements into their regimen. This incident reverberates as a stark reminder that even a high-profile, scrupulous individual can fall victim to the deceptive practices of the unregulated supplement industry.